Downgrade

To Recall

The past had engaged a boundless damage to what they’re facing for. Vixen was glancing outside, with the thought about having the Royals getting ahead of them. She was bothered. If there’s only a chance to obtain peace, no discrimination, then it could have been easy for all to live with freedom inside Embreal. But it was just her partaking a fallacy. She blinked twice, yearning to change something, but she was obtained with doubts as soon as she started deliberating a plan. It was pointless.

Moments ago, Loshiana and Miguel went to Kinzel’s office together with Guilbert, who was nibbling his chocolate that Cody had gave him. They’re going to have a recollection of using Miguel’s power. The others stayed in the living room, knitting some mittens and blankets that they’re going to use when they move towards the tunnel. Mr. Elikai had told them that it was the safer and nearer track they could take to get to the first gate. Perhaps, the team can have another route if something will occur during the trip, a plan b. It wasn’t a usual thing for them to gain but it’s better to be ready and be vigilant in most times.

Gawking, Quinten stood and was walking back and forth. Vixen gazed upon him and was getting a headache from his movements. Slapping his leg, she said, “Will you stop that?”

He eyed her. “Stop what? As if we have something to do here.”

“You can knit if you want to.” Cody muttered. He was quite enjoying in making some mittens. They could earn much if they’ll be selling them. Quinten scowled and pounded back to the couch, arching his body into a slouch. “Why don’t they want us to know what truly happened with the two? They’re treating us like if we’re not part of this group.”

“Don’t be too negative. Kinzel is the boss, and we need to respect her decision. Maybe she has a reason for it. And I’m sure she’ll lend us the details later.”

“Okay. So what? We’re just going to stare and wait for them to finish?”

Cody nodded, keeping his focus on his work.

Inside Kinzel's Workplace

The two were resting on the low swivel black chairs, facing Kinzel who’s slumping, supporting her head with her two bare hands. Her brother, Guilbert remained behind her, leaning over the dull stilted bookshelf. Dust was consuming the files which made him captured a sneeze.

“Okay, now we're all settled. We have to know what happened to the both of you when you were captured back then.”

Miguel nodded in submission. He looked upon Loshiana who’s kind of anxious. He held her hand and offered a calming smile. Taking a deep sigh, he told the siblings what exactly had occurred during the taking.

“From the mission you gave us that day, we followed the path you have given us. But then, we didn’t make it through – we’re suddenly enclosed by some of Penelope’s troops. They tracked us down. They blindfolded us and wrapped our hands behind with ropes. When we took our sight again, we recognized that we arrived in the place where we tried to snoop in, the third level. The troop had to lead us inside the cell, which I presumed that you’ve known where we were, based on the trackers Cody gave us.” He serenely said. Loshiana was keeping her silence and just let Miguel explained in behave of them two.

“We’re surrounded by many guards. Penelope has recognized us; our names, occupations, local ranks and being part of Era. She often visited the place, trying to get information about the team, whipped us without thinking twice and…” He gaped to Loshiana. “One of those days, her team took Loshiana, separating the both of us.”

Kinzel snooped, crossing her arms. Her eyebrows somehow twitched into an arc. “How many days were you separated from him, Losh?”

A gulp was there. And if the flower-painted frame which was hanging on the wall can see, it would definitely depict how Loshiana’s eyes showed terror. “A-About two days, just before we’re headed for the elimination.” She utterly said.

“Will you mind if Miguel will try to recall what happened to you from the time you were estranged from him?” Guilbert commented.

Loshiana reacted abruptly. “B-But why?”

“We want to know what happened to you that specific two days. You don’t have to be feared out, unless if your that skeptical or…you’re hiding something from us.” From a calm one, Guilbert’s face stiffened.

Loshiana glanced over Miguel who’s patiently waiting for her response. Giving them a contemptuous look, she wasn’t sure if it will be fine, but she nodded in agreement. Taking himself, Miguel slowly went behind her. He traced her long hair and slowly held it. He closed his eyes and started to read her mind.

The siblings were staring at the both of them and waited for Miguel to finish. The young man was having a hard time as he entered Loshiana’s mind. Both of them began to sweat and were breathing deeply. After a while, Miguel gently opened his eyes and so does Loshiana. She was panting.

“A-Are you okay?" Kinzel said with a worried face. She asked Guilbert to go to the kitchen and bring water for them.

"L-Losh..." Miguel was pale. He looked at her as if he had seen a horrific thing inside her mind. Loshiana was holding her breath. She started to panic.

"What have you seen in her, Mig?" Kinzel said as she locked her gaze to Loshiana. Guilbert suddenly sprung inside, opening the door. She saw the others peeking from the outside - eyes full of curiosity. He made his pace towards them and offered them water. Loshiana grabbed it instantly, taking a large gulp of it.

"Miguel, what have you seen?" She asked the same question.

"S-She was...almost got killed. Penelope took her and made her beg for her own life as she was bitten to death. Penelope was eager to know about us. They also gave her the seal on her waist."

Guilbert stepped in and said, "A seal?"

Loshiana cried in fear as she slowly pulled up her coat high, enough for them to notice a dragon's face burnt on her body. Kinzel covered her mouth when she saw it. She didn't portend that the third level will do such acts to a person who's obviously below them. They could have even tried to be humane. But they didn't. They were wolves, the hunters of those they see as weaklings.

"They have gone too far." Guilbert gritted his teeth.

Miguel was wiping Loshiana's tears. Kinzel realized that the woman had engulfed fear within herself. Even though she had escaped them, she was still a captive by their horrid deeds. She was being hunted.

Kinzel stood up from her seat and went to them. She embraced them both and let them cried out their troubles. She knew that they have been exhausted just like the others and she still hasn't comforted them since the time they came back to them. She felt the pain slowly scouring a wound inside of her. She shed a tear.

"They'll surely pay for what they've done to you." She said in a crucial tone, pressing every pressure she was weighing in the whole room.